Bio's Build Thread

Biomechanoid · #1 09-18-2019, 09:37 PM

After pricing some F150's and a mechanic reporting to me my 2006 Ranger FX4 is in tip top shape mechanically, I've decided to say no to new truck payments and invest in my little red truck to give it some flare again.

First step: Cleaning and detailing. I took it to some detail shops and they basically want you to pay for their kid's college. So I researched the best cleaners and got a new shine on the exterior and a like new interior. After several hours of waxing the body and intense cleaning of the interior, I'm pretty pleased with the results....

While the dash, console, door panels, and front flooring cleaned up real nice, the cloth seats are in dire need of a deep shampoo. But I'm currently researching high quality custom fit seat covers, so I didn't spend a lot of time on them.

I had installed the hood visor and side window visors way back when I bought the vehicle.

The factory mags were in terrible shape, completely coated with dirt and grime. I used Meguiar's Hot Rim wheel cleaner and it did an amazing job cleaning them and bringing back their shine. But they do have some chipped chrome, so I'm on the fence to have them powder coated or get new wheels.

Just a few days ago, I had the factory audio unit replaced with a Kenwood video head unit and added a backing up camera. You can change the color of the instrument illumination to match your vehicle's instrument illumination.

I also added a SiriusXM Tuner and subscribed to their service. After-market speakers is high on my project list.

And even more recent, I added an Undercover brand tonneau cover - one piece hardcover.

I have some other projects in mind, but like most people, I have to wait between paydays, but I will update my build thread as I add them.

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ford4thot · #2 09-19-2019, 08:12 AM

Great pictures. Not a ton going on here on this forum, glad to see someone else taking good care of their Ranger

Biomechanoid · #3 09-19-2019, 12:14 PM

Thanks ford4thot. This is my daily driver, but it's kept in a garage year around when not in use. So that helped in keeping up the condition.

I want to replace the step bars, but one after-market shop said they won't touch Rangers because of the way their mounted. I've seen hundreds of photos online of Rangers with after-market step bars. Anyone know why this shop is so afraid of this install on Rangers?

ford4thot · #4 09-19-2019, 12:20 PM

No idea. It's not terribly difficult. You have to remove the trim that holds the carpet across the bottom of the door, lift the carpet and there is a rubber plug in the floor pan. That gives you access to the front bolts. I think the rear just mounts to the body or frame.

So either the shop doesn't know what they are doing, or they are just lazy in my opinion.

Ranger_Lui · #5 09-19-2019, 06:48 PM

I made my own and the mount just fine?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ford4thot · #6 09-19-2019, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger_Lui

I made my own and the mount just fine?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Now that we are talking about it I'm curious, how do the fronts of your steps mount? In the stock position? Those really do look great

Biomechanoid · #7 09-19-2019, 09:18 PM

Thanks for input guys. I will just shop around more to find a garage that is little more willing. Those bars on your Ranger look fantastic, Lui.

ford4thot · #8 09-19-2019, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biomechanoid

Thanks for input guys. I will just shop around more to find a garage that is little more willing. Those bars on your Ranger look fantastic, Lui.

Are you handy at all? Do you have a few basic sockets? I had a 2011 Ranger and removed the step bars and it was fairly simple and straightforward. You would save a good amount of money if you were to install your own, if you felt inclined. If I were to remove and install a set, I would say I could do it in about an hour. 2 if I took a smoke break and had a beer because I just wanted to chill and celebrate how much money I was saving by doing it myself, and take a few mid project pictures

Biomechanoid · #9 09-20-2019, 07:33 AM

30 years ago, I would say yes I'll give it a go. I'm 66, not nearly as agile or limber as I used to be. Let's face it, most mechanics have to be contortionists. That ship has sailed on me some time ago. Now I've seen old mechanics twisting their bodies in all sorts of unnatural positions to work on a vehicle. I guess if you do it professionally throughout your life it keeps you agile.

ford4thot · #10 09-20-2019, 09:09 AM

Yeah it is a little awkward

Biomechanoid · #11 09-20-2019, 11:39 AM

Cleaning update: The hood visor has been on there for 13 years and I'm ashamed to report I have never removed it to clean underneath. It's long overdue and here's what I found.....

No hood visor ever again! So.....when I tried washing off that grime, little to no surprise, it chipped the paint.

So I had no choice but to reinstall the visor.......for now.

The good news. A Ranger hood with chipped paint...I can't settle for that, no sireee. I now have an excuse to install a custom hood like I see on some of you members' Rangers!

ford4thot · #12 09-20-2019, 05:37 PM

Bummer about the paint on the hood, that'll happen. You might not have to worry about it since your ranger was in the garage all the time, but water and debris can collect underneath plastic bed liners if installed and rust out the bed.

Some Rangers came with hood with a taller fiberglass hump, they called it a power dome. Was a highly sought-after hood around here.

Biomechanoid · #13 09-20-2019, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford4thot

Bummer about the paint on the hood, that'll happen. You might not have to worry about it since your ranger was in the garage all the time, but water and debris can collect underneath plastic bed liners if installed and rust out the bed.

Some Rangers came with hood with a taller fiberglass hump, they called it a power dome. Was a highly sought-after hood around here.

My Ranger has the power dome hood, but I think I've seen the one you're talking about, it's designed the same but has a higher profile.

My hood is low priority since it's covered up by the hood visor. Someone would have to pull up on the visor just to see the chipped paint. I realize the chipped paint could spread, then that would be the time to address what I want to do about the hood.

I wonder if any members here have painted their dome say like a satin black. A race sport look...sorta. That's a pretty big space, that might be too much.

Biomechanoid · #14 09-23-2019, 01:52 PM

Update: New Tires.
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A Tires - I stayed with factory brand and size. Got them at Discount Tire. The wheels look great in the photo, but in person you can see chrome peeling especially in the hub and the rim here and there. If I decide to get new ones, likely I will be buying my wheels there too. They said they would mount them free if I buy the wheels there.

Biomechanoid · #15 09-24-2019, 07:33 PM

Addressing the jump seats:

Originally I wanted to yank them out for more carrying/storage space because they never carry passengers. Which means building some sort of platform shelf./ But then I realized.....

99% of the time, the back of my cab looks like this.......

Completely empty.

....and 99% of the time my truck bed is empty other than a toolbox and a cargo divider. A truck bed is handy for hauling a giant screen tv or furniture, but it's not really a work truck for me - like loading bales of hay or animals on a regular basis.

Why did I think I needed more storage space? I guess when I get caught up in project fever, I lose grasp of common sense.

So I landed on the old saying....it's better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

But for resale value purpose, I want to preserve their like new condition. For now I used the plastic casing you get when you buy a set of full bed sheets. It fits the jump seat perfectly.